You can hire a keynote speaker directly or through a speakers bureau. Both are great options, and the best choice depends on your event, available time, and how much assistance you need throughout the process.
Should you hire a keynote speaker directly or work with a speakers bureau? Explore the benefits of both booking options, including speaker selection, pricing, communication, event planning, and working directly with professional keynote speakers like Ryan Jenkins.
Speaker bureaus can simplify the search and booking process, while hiring a speaker directly can create a more personal relationship and streamline communication.
Here's when each approach makes sense.
When Should You Use a Speakers Bureau?
Speakers bureaus can be incredibly helpful, particularly when you're starting from scratch.
A good bureau has relationships with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of professional speakers and can help you identify experts who align with your audience, event objectives, and budget.
Consider working with a speakers bureau if:
You're unsure who to hire. A bureau can help identify speakers whose expertise aligns with your event theme and audience.
You don't have time to research and vet speakers. Bureaus can handle much of the initial research, comparisons, and coordination.
You're booking multiple speakers. Managing several keynotes, breakout speakers, and celebrity appearances can get complicated quickly.
You want additional guidance. An experienced bureau representative can help refine your event theme, compare speakers, and navigate the selection process.
You're trying to book a celebrity or high-profile personality. Some speakers work exclusively through agencies or representatives, making a bureau the most practical route.
For busy meeting professionals, a great speakers bureau can be a valuable partner and save considerable time.
When Should You Hire a Keynote Speaker Directly?
Booking directly can be equally effective, particularly when you've already identified a speaker whose expertise aligns with your event.
Working directly with a professional speaker can offer several advantages:
Direct communication. You can speak with the actual expert who will be on stage rather than communicating through an intermediary.
Faster decisions. Fewer layers of communication can make it easier to discuss availability, customization, and event details.
A more personal relationship. The speaker can gain a deeper understanding of your organization, challenges, and audience.
Greater collaboration. Direct conversations can uncover opportunities to tailor the keynote around your specific objectives.
Of course, these advantages depend on the speaker.
Hiring directly works best when the speaker is experienced, organized, responsive, and has a proven process for managing engagements.
An outstanding keynote speaker who is difficult to communicate with or unprepared for event logistics can create unnecessary work for the meeting planner.
Is It Cheaper to Book a Speaker Directly?
Not necessarily.
Many professional speakers maintain consistent fees whether they're booked directly or through a bureau. Speaker bureaus are often compensated through commissions built into the speaker's established fee.
While booking directly may occasionally provide additional flexibility, don't assume it automatically means a lower price.
The better question is which booking approach will provide the most value and make your job easier.
How Can You Book Ryan Jenkins?
Ryan Jenkins works with numerous speakers bureaus and also welcomes clients who prefer to book him directly.
He is not exclusive to any speakers bureau, so organizations are free to use whichever approach works best for them.
One thing that distinguishes Ryan's direct booking experience is that clients get to work directly with Ryan. He personally participates in conversations about the audience, event objectives, organizational challenges, and presentation customization.
That direct access allows Ryan to better understand the people he'll be serving and helps create a more collaborative experience from the initial conversation through the keynote.
However, if your organization already has a trusted speakers bureau, Ryan is equally happy to work through that relationship.
What's the Best Way to Book a Keynote Speaker?
There's no right or wrong answer.
If you need help discovering and evaluating speakers, coordinating multiple presentations, or accessing high-profile talent, a speakers bureau can be an excellent resource.
If you've already found the right speaker and want a direct, collaborative relationship, booking directly can be just as effective.
Ultimately, the goal isn't to find the best way to book a speaker. It's to find the right speaker for your audience and make the entire experience as seamless as possible.
Interested in Booking Ryan Jenkins?
Whether you're working directly or through a speakers bureau, Ryan's team is happy to help. Share your event date, audience, and goals to explore availability and determine whether Ryan is the right fit.
Contact Ryan
Or contact Ryan’s team directly:
ashley@ryanjenkins.com
770-695-7204 | Call or text